Frank Lampard is to be given time to prove he deserves to stay in his post as Chelsea’s manager despite growing alarm behind the scenes about performances and the club’s board being alerted to Thomas Tuchel’s interest in the job if it becomes available.
Chelsea’s faltering title challenge suffered another setback when they lost 3-1 at home against Manchester City on Sunday, putting Lampard in danger of being sacked before the end of his second season in charge. Although the humiliating defeat by City is unlikely to result in the 42-year-old being dismissed, he is under mounting pressure and the hierarchy could be forced to act if they fear Champions League qualification slipping from their grasp.
Tuchel, who led Paris Saint-Germain to the Champions League final last season before being sacked by the French champions last month, has been put forward as a potential replacement.
The pressure on Lampard has grown following a run of four defeats in six games, leaving the board increasingly concerned about the team’s lack of progress this season. Roman Abramovich, the owner, gave Lampard over £200m to spend on signings last summer but Chelsea lie in eighth place after 17 games. They are seven points behind Liverpool in first place and, unless their form improves, face a fight to finish in the top four.
It is believed Lampard, whose contract runs out in the summer of 2022, retains Chelsea’s backing for now. Conscious of his legendary status at Stamford Bridge, the club would prefer not to act hastily with their former midfielder. Lampard fared well after replacing Maurizio Sarri in the summer of 2019, overcoming a transfer ban to qualify for the Champions League and reach the FA Cup final. He also earned plaudits for promoting Chelsea’s young players. Article here
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